Some financially devastated

A local company laid off 200 workers in August. Among them was an Augusta man who is the sole wage-earner in his family. The man couldn't find work, his family couldn't pay its bills and they had to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, it looks like they won't be able to give their 7-year-old daughter the Christmas she deserves.

The Augusta Chronicle's Empty Stocking Fund can help this family have a happy holiday. The fund has collected hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped numerous families since its start in 1930. The money provides gift certificates for food, clothes and other necessities.

Contributors may send donations to The Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, Ga. 30903-1928, or drop them off on the third floor of the News Building, 725 Broad St.